Factors used by female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship directors to select their fellows

• Published in: International Urogynecology Journal Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 349 - 352
• Main Authors: Muffly, Tyler M., Penick, Emily R., Tang, Fengming, Bonham, Aaron J., Smith, Roger P., Hill, Richard F. C., Blandon, Roberta E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Springer-Verlag 01-03-2010; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Choice Behavior; Fellowships and Scholarships; Gynecologic Surgical Procedures - education; Gynecology; Humans; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article; Urology; Personnel selection; Costs and cost analysis; School admission criteria; Job application; Graduate medical education
• ISSN: 0937-3462; 1433-3023
• DOI: 10.1007/s00192-009-1038-z

Introduction and hypothesis
We report the attributes of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPM&RS) fellowship applicants that are most valued by fellowship program directors during the ranking process.
Methods
Anonymous questionnaires were filled out by FPM&RS fellowship program directors following the 2008 match. The survey was designed to assess the relative importance of various factors in the ranking of fellowship applicants.
Results
Surveys were sent to 67 program directors, and 21 completed the survey (31%). Items ranked as the most important in the selection process were a high quality obstetrics and gynecology residency education (8.2 ± 1.2), followed by clinical research experience (7.4 ± 1.4). Ability to work well with staff and work ethic were considered to be the most important subjective criteria.
Conclusions
Our results support anecdotal evidence that placed emphasis on research experience and interpersonal skills in the selection of FPM&RS fellows.